As a native Texan, I'm shocked and heartbroken over what took place over the weekend in Sutherland Springs Texas, a mere few miles from where I once lived. The evil that has come into our great republic is beyond comprehension and my heart breaks knowing so many families walked into the peaceful presence of a church and never walked out. I don't think anything we could do will ever feel like "enough" but there are a few things we can do even if we are far away.
I know there are now dozens of articles floating the internet by now that are politicizing the tragedy. I know social media can be a mix of heartwarming and disgusting as people troll posts with their glorified opinions. None of those things seem to help in the least. But there is something helpful that unites people across party lines, and that's resources to tangibly help. Here are five ways you can help the victims of this tragedy now:
1. H-E-B Donations
In case you aren't from Texas, H-E-B is our grocery store. It's not only a high quality grocery but a compassionate company. For those of you in Texas, you can round up your grocery bill at the cash register as a donation to the families of the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs. For everyone else all over the country, here is the online donation page. They are giving 100% of donations to support the victims and their families.
2. Sutherland Springs Baptist Church
The church itself has a PayPal donation button on their official website and Facebook page. This would normally be a place to collect tithes and offerings or donations to ministries they are involved in that help the community. At this time it will also be used for members of the congregation.
3. BBQ Plate Fundraiser
For my friends who are in Texas, you can actually physically visit the church body and eat some BBQ at their fundraiser on Saturday November 11. See their Facebook Page for up to date info. Since Texans are so kind and love BBQ, they will likely have a big turn out and may also be in need of volunteers. On the event public event page there will be contact information to ask about volunteering.
If you're in Texas and have O-positive or O-negative blood type blood, the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center could use your donation. Contact them here.
5. Genuinely Pray for the Community
Some people write on social media, "prayers are okay, but we need more than that to solve this. We need ____________ (fill in the blank with "gun laws" or "gun rights")". It's the other way around. We need all members of the body of Christ and all persuasions of Americans to do THEIR PART. Some of you have passion and talent to rally for legislation and I'm behind you and will support you morally and with my prayers.
Some of you are passionate about gun rights and are unafraid to use a gun to defend yourself and others. I will support you morally and with my prayers. In this tragedy, the killer lied on his form when he purchased the gun; 2 law abiding good Samaritans stopped him; over 26 people's lives were lost. How can either side of the argument completely bring an end to this? That's why we need to support each other.
What happened Sunday was completely evil but as Christians and as Americans we bring the light (that's what we are good at). So please don't give up hope praying; it is the fuel behind the work that needs to be done. We can't do this without prayer.
